Question About Scrubbing Algae

[Joe Tony]

I just had a question about what actually happens when you scrub hair algae, diatoms, and other forms of nuisance microalgae off of your rock and glass. Does scrubbing the stuff kill the algae, in which case it turns into nitrates, phosphates, iron, and the other nutrients it fed on? Or does scrubbing it simply disperse the microalgae colonies into their microscopic members, in which case the algal cells live on to find new parts of the tank to perch on.

The question is relevant in regards to having macroalgae, or corals whose zooxanthelae definitely need some nitrate/phosphate. If scrubbing the algae kills it, then its competitors would presumably absorb some of those nutrients. But if it just spreads the microalgae to other parts of the tank, then there's the risk of it perching on said macroalgae, coral, etc.

Thoughts?

 

[lapin]

Yes scrubbing algae covered rock in the tank can spread it, if its not siphoned out.

 

[Joe Tony]

Yes scrubbing algae covered rock in the tank can spread it, if its not siphoned out.

Got it. Thanks

 

[Hermie]

it would require almost a PhD in microbiology to give a comprehensive answer, but very interesting question nonetheless

 

[mdb_talon]

I think a generally safe answer is "both". Some will likely be caught in filter socks or otherwise inhospitable places and die. In other cases it may settle in a hospitable area and thrive.

 

[Joe Tony]

it would require almost a PhD in microbiology to give a comprehensive answer, but very interesting question nonetheless

Thanks

 

[Ippyroy]

Both things will happen. If at possible I find it best to remove the rock and scrub it inside of saltwater that I removed for my water change. Another popular method is to attach the brush with a zip tie or rubber band to the python and run the hose into a filter sock. As you are scrubbing most of the algae will be sucked into the python and collected in the filter sock. Immediately upon finish replace the filter sock.